To restrict access to your nbdiff-web interface so that only you can see it, you can use HTTP Basic Authentication or a reverse proxy with authentication (like Nginx or Apache). Here’s how you can do it:

Option 1: Use nbdiff-web with HTTP Basic Authentication

If nbdiff-web supports it, you can enable basic authentication directly in its configuration. Check if nbdiff-web has built-in options for username/password protection in its documentation.

If not, you can use a reverse proxy (recommended).

Option 2: Use Nginx as a Reverse Proxy with Authentication

This is a common and secure approach.

Step 1: Install Nginx

If not already installed:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install nginx

Step 2: Configure Nginx as a Reverse Proxy

Edit your Nginx configuration (e.g., /etc/nginx/sites-available/nbdiff-web):

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name your-server-domain-or-ip;

    location / {
        proxy_pass http://localhost:<nbdiff-web-port>;
        proxy_set_header Host $host;
        proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
        proxy_set_header X-Forwarded-For $proxy_add_x_forwarded_for;

        auth_basic "Restricted Access";
        auth_basic_user_file /etc/nginx/.htpasswd;
    }
}

Replace <nbdiff-web-port> with the port nbdiff-web is running on.

Step 3: Create a Password File

Install apache2-utils (for htpasswd):

sudo apt install apache2-utils

Create a password file and add a user (e.g., benjamin):

sudo htpasswd -c /etc/nginx/.htpasswd benjamin

You’ll be prompted to enter and confirm a password.

Step 4: Test and Reload Nginx

sudo nginx -t  # Test configuration
sudo systemctl reload nginx

Now, when you access http://your-server-domain-or-ip, you’ll be prompted for a username and password.

Option 3: Use Apache as a Reverse Proxy

If you prefer Apache, the process is similar:

1. Install Apache and enable mod_proxy and mod_auth_basic.
2. Configure a virtual host with proxy and authentication directives.
3. Create a password file using htpasswd.

Option 4: Use a Firewall Rule (Less Secure)

If you only want to allow your IP address to access the port, you can use ufw or iptables:

sudo ufw allow from <your-ip> to any port <nbdiff-web-port>

Replace <your-ip> and <nbdiff-web-port> accordingly.

Which option do you prefer? I can provide more detailed steps for your chosen method.